Metamor Keep: Lament of the Kangaroo
By Charles Matthias
Part 2
Malger proved as
good as his word yet again when by the fall of the winter sun, the
servants returned with bundles of clothes for them, and an invitation to
dine with the lord Sutt. Their garments were modest but well
apportioned, and to their delight, all fit well. Charles found his
garments roomy and loose-fitting as hed requested; this way they
wouldnt damage his vine. A green v-necked tunic with decorative
cuffs that came to the middle of his upper arms went on first, then a
firm leather vest that left his chest open while protecting his
back. Beneath this his vine snuggled appreciatively. The
trousers came to just above his knees and was fashioned from the
many-coloured patchwork fabric. The rat head belt buckle snapped
over a series of tassels that were, he was told, the latest in fashion in
Sutthaivasse. Apart from the fact that he was a rat, he looked much
like many of the sons of the well-to-do families.
Of course,
they wouldnt wear such light clothes in this cool weather, but sporting
fur did have its advantages.
The others
were similarly attired, though somehow, Andares made his blue-hued
garments look otherworldly just by wearing them. And Lindsey looked
decidedly uncomfortable in her tunic and breeches, as she constantly
adjusted her hips as they walked through the castle halls on their way to
their private dinner with Malger.
Prince
Phil and his ever present aid Rupert joined them along the way. As
visiting nobility, Phil was granted his own suite, and another batch of
Sutthaivasse tailors had provided him with something new to wear.
His was more regal in bearing, but it appeared to irritate the white
rabbit as much as Lindseys plainer material did her.
The dining
hall was finely apportioned, with painted plaster walls arching between
stone column supports to a high vault above. The vault had been
painted as well, though many of the colours were beginning to fade and
lacked the luster of those closer to the ground. Scenes of the
countryside, armies, conquests, all blended in with scenes from vineyards
and crops and ships and seas. Quite a few of them bore hints of
Ecclesia symbology but nothing overt. The floor was tiled in a
brilliant terracotta mosaic, though most if it had been covered in
foreign carpets, and the massive mahogany table obscured the rest.
Standing at the head of the table in an overly ornate chair that was more
throne than dinner seat, was Malger dressed as a fop as usual.
Welcome
to my humble hall, Malger crowed without a hint of irony. Please sit
where you will. You are all guests in my house. So saying, he took
his seat with immense satisfaction. Phil sat on his right, haunches
firmly planted in the seat, while Rupert gingerly found a place next to
the rabbit. Autrefois and Vigoreaux sat near one end, while Guernef
lowered his bulk at the opposite end. Abafouq joined Guernef, with
Kayla and Jessica nearby. Lindsey and Jerome sat near the servants
of Tournemire, while Charles and James were forced to sit across from
Malger. Andares, the last to sit, took the seat at Malgers left
next to the enigmatic, dark haired woman Malger merely referred to as
Val without appending any titles. The only empty seat was between
James and Jessica, and that Malger assured them would be filled in a
moment.
After two
weeks in which to discuss their many travels, the Keepers and their
allies were pleased when Malger kept the conversation away from such
things. Instead he told then of his home in Sutthaivasse, and some
of its storied history. All the while servers brought in platters
of bread, cheese, pastries, and various exotic fruits to whet their
appetite for the main courses to come later. Most of the servitors
kept clear of Guernef, but there were two barely out of boyhood who took
every chance they could to almost worshipfully near the giant
gryphon. If the Nauh-kaee noticed them, he paid them no mind,
eating what Abafouq sampled for him with a refined delicacy his
companions had grown used to and that surprised the others anew.
While
Malger sampled a pastry with a white glaze and strawberry jam, a
well-dressed servant leaned over the nobles head and whispered something
that not even Charles could hear. The marten masquerading as a man nodded
and then, as the servant briskly departed, tapped a spoon against his
goblet. My most welcome guests, Ive just been informed that our final
guest has just now arrived and is being brought here as we speak. The
animal-morphed swung their ears toward the doors behind Charles as they
could hear the sound of firm treads coming close. And here he is.
The young Philippe du Tournemire.
Now all
heads swung as the doors opened and in walked a boy no more than ten
years of age. He was clad in royal blue doublet and hose and walked
between the Sutthaivasse guards with some trepidation. His face,
angular and hawk-like, much as Camilles had once been, with searing blue
eyes beneath a curly mop of blonde hair, betrayed a bit of childish fear
and none of the arrogance they had once seen in the late Marquis.
But there could be no mistake, this was his son.
Welcome,
young Philippe, Malger said while standing. I am the Archduke Malger
Sutt, and these are my guests, as now are you. I trust your journey
from Whitestone was comfortable.
The boy
tried to smile in a disarming way. If a little surprising. I...
His eyes widened as he finally noticed who else was in the room.
His face went an even paler white as he swept over the Keepers and
assembled creatures from out of legend. And then his smile was
genuine boyish delight. Keepers! I get to sit at table with
Keepers! Liselles going to tear out the rest of her hair when she
hears this!
Autrefois
jumped to his feet, strode before the boy and fell to his knees. Milord
Marquis! I am relieved to see you safe.
Vigoreaux
was quick on his heels both in kneeling and in professing his gratitude
for Philippes safety. The boy smiled at them both, and then
frowned. Sir Autrefois! Vigoreaux! But why do you call me
Marquis? Wheres my father?
I fear
your father has given up his life to defeat a great evil, Vigoreaux
replied. James nearly hacked up the pastry hed been eating.
The Steward continued as if hed not heard that report of protest. Your
fathers title and all that goes with it falls to you, milord.
Philippes
delight vanished and for a moment he seemed on the verge of tears. But
he promised me he would come visit this year. He promised!
Sir
Autrefois put a steadying hand on the boys shoulder. Come sit with us,
milord, and eat. Lord Sutt has been most gracious with his
table. Your father died bravely and you should be too.
Charles
nudged James, and the two of them stood up. The rat gestured to his
chair. Milord Philippe, please take this seat. It is yours by
right of noble birth. We shall move to the end and let thy men
share your place.
Philippe
glanced at Charles and his eyes widened, though not nearly as much as a
moment before. Forgive me, but are you a rat?
Charles
nodded and bowed respectfully to the boy. My name is Charles Matthias,
and I am your servant. I do remember the look on your fathers face
the night you were born. I had been briefly in his employ at the
time. The others had all heard this tale, apart from Malger and
Phil who both stared at the rat slack-jawed. Jerome nodded to them
both and also bowed to the boy.
Come,
milord Philippe. You are among those who shared your fathers
struggle against evil. For we are witnesses of his final moments,
in which he acted to save all of us at the cost of his own life. Jerome
pulled his chair out too, and slowly, Philippe and the two men of
Tournemire came forward.
Philippe,
only ten, was as tall as Charles and stared into his face with delight.
Could you sit by me, master Matthias? Id like to know more about
my father. And Metamor.
Charles
bowed again, already liking this boy. At your command.
James
moved into the empty seat beside Jessica, while Charles took the donkeys
seat. Philippe sat in the rats, with Sir Autrefois hulking next to
him where Jerome had once been. Lindsey pushed herself away from
the table and held one paw over her belly. Forgive me lords, but I am
not feeling well. And with that she half walked, half hopped through the
doors. All eyes watched her go, but none followed, despite the
yearning look on Kaylas face.
Vigoreaux
took her seat, rubbing his hands as he kept a close watch on
Philippe. Jerome settled in at the end of the table, and exchanged
stolid glanced with Rupert who of course said nothing.
Now that
we are all seated, Malger said, composure regained, though he did favour
the rat a curious glance, we may continue. Yes, on your return to
Tournemire, you will be crowned the Marquis. I have no intention of
interfering with that. He glanced at the two retainers meaningfully.
But we are going to be discussing new treaties and arrangements for
these lands. Ten years ago the house of Sutt stretched forth its
hands to claim all of Western Pyralis. Your father was instrumental
in preventing that. But now his hand has laid hold of too
much. Between us we shall draw back and grant each land and house
authority over their own land. None will be the strongest.
Prince Phillip of Whales shall act as a mediator in our discussions to
ensure all is fair. Representatives of Metamor, the Åelf, the
Binoq, the Sondeckis, and the... Nauh-kaee shall also stand as
witnesses.
Philippe
looked everyone over and then he stared hard at Malger. You must be the
runaway if youre Handil Sutts son. Everyone stared at the boy in
surprise. Hed gone from nearly crying to a canny observer.
Liselle always said there were rumours one of you Sutt boys
survived. You dont seem too bad for a Sutt.
Why...
thank you. Malger replied, even as the rabbit at his right rocked his
ears in laughter. And who is Liselle?
Oh shes
my tutor. She gossips all the time. Better than my bodyguard
who wont say anything to me. I preferred Weyden, but father sent
him to Metamor. Hey, do any of you know Weyden? He used to
teach me how to fight with a sword.
Jessica
cawed in anguish. Weyden... I know him very well, Philippe. He
became a hawk like me. He told me many things about being in your
fathers service, but he never mentioned you.
Phil
rested his paws together. It seems we all have connections one way or
another. Good. Then perhaps we can come to an equitable
agreement to ensure peace in Pyralis.
Indeed!
Malger said with hope. Now, milord Philippe, the first thing that we
should decide, is who will act as regent for you until you come of
age.
Oh that,
Philippe said with disdain. He shook his head. I dont want to
talk about that. I want to hear about my father. He turned to
Charles. You knew him. Tell me more please.
Charles
smiled and nodded. Of course, milord. He gestured to Malger and Phil.
Perhaps after weve finished with why youre here.
Philippe
shook his head. Were all still eating. My father told me never to
talk politics while eating. It just makes a mess.
Malger
finally laughed. How very true! Very well, Ill have the main
courses brought, and Charles can tell you more about your father.
Well discuss affairs of state after.
Charles
saw the secret grin that flashed over the young boys face. Yes, he
was definitely his fathers son. Crafty and clever in getting what
he wanted, but still genuinely a boy with a boys desires. The rat
couldnt help but like him. As servants brought in platters of
fish, mutton, and numerous pastas, Charles set out to describe that night
ten years past when the Marquis had learned of his sons birth.
Philippe and all the rest listened with rapt attention.
----------
Lindsey shut the
door and pressed her back against it, tail tip poking between her large
feet. Her fur trembled beneath the loose fitting but comfortable
garb. After two weeks with next to nothing on the clothes felt
foreign. Once she was confidant that no one had followed her back,
she quickly but gently removed the offending garments.
Yes.
Lindsey dropped the clothes on the floor and trembled anew. Ever
since that night before theyd reached Blackwater, shed heard that
single word repeated over and over again at night. But at the
dinner shed heard it again, the first time ever while the sun still
shone. And it seemed more insistent than before.
Lindsey
put her paws on the bed shed been given while they stayed. Her
snout poked through the curtains hung to keep in the warmth, but the
darkness within brought nothing. Who are you? she asked, voice ragged
and raw.
Yes.
No,
Lindsey replied. Please leave me alone. Nothing. The
kangaroo took several long breaths, ears folded flat against her head,
toes arching and claws digging into the carpet. Why did it only
ever repeat that one word? It wasnt a word shed ever used
herself, being too formal, a construct only the courts of the south
employed. And only then as an answer to a question. So what
was the question?
Yes.
Stop
it! Stop it! What do you want from me? Lindsey crawled onto
the bed and drew the curtains closed, trapping herself in darkness.
The air was still and warm. In quieter tones she asked, Where are
you?
Her paws
slid down across her chest and belly, and then stopped when they felt a
slight rupture. Lindsey couldnt see it, but let her thumb trace
along its edge. Her pouch. With a start, her other paw
spreading over its depth, she knew that there was something inside.
Yes.
Licking her teeth, Lindsey asked, Are you my child?
Yes.
The
kangaroo sobbed and stroked her paws down across her pouch. With
Zhypar?
Yes.
Lindsey lay on the bed with her paws over her pouch and tears soaking her
cheek fur. What she had longed for in the ten years since shed
first fallen in love with Zhypar Habakkuk had finally come to pass.
She was carrying his child. But he had passed beyond the grave, and
only that sick display the Marquis had forced them to make on the Dais
had given her this blessing. From out of evil Eli draws good
Zhypar had told her that many times. Her heart waxed from joy at
the child to sorrow at the fathers passing.
But for
the first time in two weeks, it did wax.
Her claws
traced out little circles in the fur covering her pouch. There was
something inside. She could feel it. Her chest expanded with
new breath. She couldnt wait to tell the others.
Do not
tell anyone about me.
Lindsey stiffened, but nodded. Best to keep this to herself for
now. The child was hers and Habakkuks. Nobody else need
know. Nobody else should know.
Yes.
----------
Charles spent the
better part of an hour turning their ears with tales of the Marquis in
his younger days before Marzac had turned him into a monster. They
all took delight in the story of Philippes birth, and the Marquiss
change from a noblemen caught in war to a proud father. Malger
especially seemed interested in the tales since they were of a
perspective hed never before heard. The disguised marten only
recalled his hated fathers frustration at failing to crush the armies of
Tournemire. To know that a friend of his had aided his enemies in
that long ago time brought him no end of satisfaction.
But
eventually their talk did return to politics, and the chief concern was
for the disposition of Whitestone. The city that stood at the
centre of western Pyralis was nominally under the control of Tournemire,
but that was a victory won against Handil Sutt, who had himself taken
Whitestone in his march of conquest. Philippe was loathe to give it
up, mainly because hed spent most of his youth there for him, the
coastal city of Tournemire was only a dim memory of his earliest years
before his mother had died.
Unsurprisingly, Malger didnt see it that way. This is not a matter of
sentimentality or of maintaining your hold on Whitestone, Philippe.
Tournemires armies have mostly abandoned the city already. Why
else do you think my soldiers were able to bring you here to Sutthaivasse
unmolested? Neither Tournemire nor Sutthaivasse can hold Whitestone
against their will for very long, nor should we. They should be
allowed sovereignty over their own lands.
Vigoreaux
shook his head firmly. It is not a matter of sovereignty, your
grace. It is a matter of discretion and wisdom. Baron Dalando
of Whitestone is a contemptuous man of intemperate disposition. It
would be foolish to allow him unchecked power over either his people or
his lands. Wiser hands must be at the helm of Whitestone.
Charles
grunted and frowned. I have to concur. I spent some time watching
Baron Dalando, if it is the same man that I knew ten years past. At
Malgers nod he continued. He was often drunk and had no compunctions
about beating those around him. Even an intemperate man can lead
well if he knows something of it, but Baron Dalando is poor even at
that. Hes allowed his land to be conquered twice in the last ten
years. I do not think he is a fit defender for Whitestone.
Malger
sucked on his lip as he pondered how to answer, when the usually silent
woman at his side spoke. The issue is not whether or not Baron Dalando
can be trusted to rule fairly. There is no question that he
cannot! The issue is that neither Sutthaivasse nor Tournemire
should have sovereignty over Whitestone. It is better for both
sides if Whitestone is not a vassal of either. As we both know,
she looked pointedly at the new Marquiss men, too much power in one
hand can be a very dangerous thing. Neither of us have the wisdom
to avoid corruption as we should. We can decide later how best to
handle Baron Dalando. First we need to agree that neither of us
shall control the city.
There was
a bit more mulling and debate, but no matter how much minutiae was
dredged up, Val always brought matters back to the sovereignty of
Whitestone. Most of the Keepers looked bored at the exchange,
though both Kayla and Phil remained firmly engaged, listening with keen
ears and watching with studious eyes. Charles, Jerome, and Sir
Autrefois offered their thoughts on the war in the land ten years ago but
otherwise left the wrangling to Malger, Val, Philippe and
Vigoreaux.
As the
night wore on, Philippe surprised them all by sighing and nodding. I
guess youre probably right, milord Sutt. I shouldnt rule in
Whitestone anymore than you. But I love the city, and I want to be
able to visit there whenever I want. Ill agree to renounce my
sovereign claim to Whitestone, but Im going to maintain a residence
there as part of the agreement. That and Baron Dalando cannot be
left to rule on his own.
We will
attend to that in time, young Marquis, Malger replied with a beleaguered
smile. For now I think we have reached an accord, and I suggest we leave
it at that for the night. Quarters have been prepared for you and
your men. My men will take you there that you might enjoy a good
nights rest.
Philippe
nodded and rose, young face betraying wisdom but also the characteristic
hawk-like gaze the late Marquis had also sported. Am I always to be
escorted while in your house, milord Sutt?
Malger
narrowed his eyes but kept his smile fixed firmly in place. Your father
was not Handil Sutt, young Lord, and while he was the hero of Breckaris
Stand he was still scarcely more popular in Sutthaivasse than my own
sire. They would have raised his head on a pike alongside Handils
own. I think you will be grateful for the protection.
This did
not make the boy happy, but it did satisfy. He bowed and bid Malger
a good night, then smiled and clasped hands with Charles. Thank you for
telling me more of my father. I hope to see you again before you
leave.
I hope so
too, milord Marquis, the rat replied with a broad grin on his snout.
Good night!
Philippe
du Tournemire left with Sir Autrefois and Vigoreaux following behind
him. Only the Keepers and their allies remained at Malgers
table. Malger smiled to them once they were alone. Forgive me for
keeping you from your beds for a moment longer. But there is
something I wish to say to you all before we each retire. Your ship
will be ready to leave in a few days. But of myself I will now
speak.
My
friends, I hope you can bear with me, as I have many things that I must
attend to before quitting this city. Malger said as he sipped at a dry
aperitif provided after all the other courses had been expended.
As should be very clear now, my father left many things at odds during
his conquering, chiefly among them the disposition of the lands he
conquered. I mean to set the chaos of his reign to rights, but I
cannot do so swiftly. In ten days I will be gathering the nobles
who remain in the wake of his destruction in this very hall to return
much of what was stolen from them. I will then offer them the
choice to remain vassals of Sutthaivasse, which since my fathers death
has been prosperous for most, or to regain their independence. He
sipped lightly at his wine and let that sink in for a few moments as
everybody listened in silence. I pray that the transition will
proceed with as little uproar as possible, and then I plan on abdicating
my seat.
Abdicate? Charles chuffed in surprise, raising an eyebrow
curiously. You hold as much, no - more, power here than Duke
Thomas himself!
Power I
never envisioned nor wished to attain, Charles. I was the youngest of a
half dozen sons and the least worthy of it, in my sires view. The
once-minstrel of Metamor explained flatly. Nor power I have any
intention of keeping, save perhaps for the pleasure of the title I have
so unexpectedly attained with their murders. A smile crossed his
face. As such, I intend to leave these lands to those who have
skilfully shepherded it into prosperity in the years since. I
cannot hope to better their efforts, and my continued presence, the very
name of my house in ascendancy over the conquered people, will only serve
to foment further rebellion in people already hard pressed to recover
from decades of bloody war. Lightly he set down his wine cup and a
servant drifted forward smoothly to refill it. They deserve the
peace and prosperity they have enjoyed, but also the freedom to choose
their fate with the secession of the Sutt house from position of overlord
to their fate, unless it is by their own will.
Who will
you leave behind to oversee your holdings, then, if you do plan on
retaining your title and powers as Archduke?
Regent
Sicallin has provided well, and I have already petitioned the King to
ascend him to the title of Duke of Sutthaivasse. I should receive
his response within the week. While you were being pored over by my
house staff I drafted further messages to him concerning the disposition
of the sailors and soldiers taken as Prisoners of War, namely that I do
not seek reprisals for their actions while under the taint of
Marzac. Malger turned his gaze to Prince Phil, who sat to his
immediate right, Prince, I will be drafting a writ of surrender to your
navies of all waters south of Sutthaivasses immediate reach.
Whales is
hardly in any better condition than Sutthaivasse. Holding that much
territory, so far from Whales, will be a trial. Phil pointed out
diplomatically though he smiled at Malgers gracious offer.
Malger
nodded ruefully, The forests of Marzac should provide more than enough
material from which to rebuild our fleets in short order, I trust.
The pirates that once haunted those waters have been utterly decimated
and are no longer the threat they once were. United with what
strength remains we should be able to hold the islands. Perhaps you
might offer Sathmore some treaties to keep them off our backs in the
interim?
That
would likely be best worked out with Regent Sicallin, as you are set upon
elevating him to rule.
I have
already discussed this matter with him. He is amenable to Whalish
control of the Marzac straights again. Malger paused and laughed
softly, More than amenable, he is desperate to see Whalish ships on the
waters to resume trade around the horn again. I can arrange that he
treat with you, in confidence, while your ships are reprovisioned?
I wish to
be home again as swiftly as any, Malger. As long as we can arrange
these politics swiftly, yes. Whales has long seen it her duty to
patrol the straits and to keep them open to commerce. Only the
corruption of Marzac forced us to blockade those waters. With your
help, we will open them up again. But many of our ships are in need
of repair before they can make the return journey.
I will
see to that. Any Whalish ships requiring repairs will have full
availability of all that Sutthaivasse has to provide, from House Sutts
own coffers.
Phils
ears bobbed humorously as he nodded, You are gracious, Duke. I
seem to remember that it was Sutthaivasse that struck forth with all due
haste to support Whales, not the other way around. With much loss
of man and ship alike.
Malger
nodded sagely, On both sides, my Prince, on both sides. Whales and
Sutthaivasse should be brothers, shoulder to shoulder. My father
would have made adversaries of you in his hubris. May that dark
desire forever be set aside, yes?
Indeed,
indeed. Phil raised his goblet in agreement and Malger tapped the
silvered rim lightly with his own and both drank. To
brotherhood.
To
brotherhood; Sutthaivasse, Whales, and Metamor should Thomas be willing.
Malger echoed, And as diplomatic liaison between Sutthaivasse and
Metamor I am confident I can convince him to such a profitable
alliance.
I dont
think youll have any trouble there, Kayla predicted as she raised her
goblet. The other Keepers all joined her, glasses raised in a
joyful toast.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
!DSPAM:4b18f7bb262971804284693!
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